Horwill boost for Wallabies – Wallabies skipper James Horwill will be available to play his team’s next fixture against USA on Friday.

Horwill picked up a shoulder injury in the 15-6 defeat to Ireland over the weekend, but was declared fit to face America after undergoing medical tests on Monday. Digby Ioane, however, remains a major loss in the Wallabies’ tournament campaign as he’s sidelined with a fractured thumb.

Russia call up Byrnes – Adam Byrnes will make his starting Test debut for Russia against Italy in Nelson on Tuesday.

Byrnes, who plays for the Melbourne Rebels in Australia, came off the bench in the 13-6 defeat to the USA in their opening match last Wednesday. He’s been promoted into the second row in place of Denis Antonov.